Archive - November 7, 2008 - The Page by Mark Halperin

The Page

Politics up to the Minute

Obama Apologizes to Nancy Reagan

The president-elect calls the 87-year-old former first lady and apologizes for the joke during his press conference about her holding seances in the White House. Obama spokeswoman said the Senator apologized "for his careless and offhanded remark," and the two had "a warm conversation." Read the statement here. Permalink

Obama Gets 'Husker Breakthrough'

Wins Nebraska electoral vote. Permalink

Loyal Opposition

Bill Kristol: "We at the Weekly Standard congratulate Barack Obama on his impressive victory." , 5:04 PM

"Secretary of State Kerry" Transfixes Globies

Boston paper can't speculate enough about homestate Senator's Foggy Bottom prospects. , 4:06 PM

Somber Obama Promises to Focus on the Economy

At Chicago press conference in the world-famous Hilton on Michigan Avenue the president-elect vows to take the financial crisis "head on" and get another stimulus package passed. Lays out his economic plan in opening statement. Read prepared remarks here. Mostly serious but a few attempts at light, Kennedy-esque humor. Takes 9 questions from reporters. Topics include his first 100 days, Ahmadinejad's congratulations, meeting with Bush, his Senate seat, his pending dog selection, the former presidents he's talking to and what he's reading. READ FULL TRANSCRIPT HERE. Later departs for the FBI building, and then the AON building for private meetings. Read pool report. HALPERIN'S TAKE: How the new guy did in his first post-campaign press conference. Permalink

(Newless) Ledes All the Same

AP: "President-elect Obama said Friday that the country is facing the greatest economic challenge in a lifetime and 'we're going to have to act swiftly to resolve it.'" NY Times: "President-elect Barack Obama called on Friday for the Bush administration and Congress to enact an economic-stimulus package, and he pledged to confront the country’s economic crisis 'head on' the moment he is sworn in on Jan. 20." WashPost: "President-elect Barack Obama today vowed to meet the nation's economic crisis 'head on' once he takes office and said he wants a new economic stimulus package to be implemented 'sooner rather than later.'" Permalink

Obama Convenes Economic Leaders

Before Friday's presser, the president-elect and vice president-elect meet with top economic advisers, including Paul Volcker, Lawrence Summers and Robert Rubin. Click above to watch a clip, and see the seating chart here. Permalink

Obama's Puppy Plans

During his presser Friday, the president-elect fields a question about the kind of dog his family is considering for the White House. Says they want one that's hypoallergenic because Malia is allergic but also want a shelter dog, which could be tough because many are "mutts" -- quickly adding "like me." WATCH VIDEO HERE. "Whether we're going to be able to balance those two things I think is a pressing issue in the Obama household." Permalink

Obama Apparently Roasts Axelrod to Economic Advisers

At the photo spray ahead of the president-elect's meeting on the economy, reporters can't help but note Obama's "very good mood." Says he was telling a story to attendees when the press pool walked in which they couldn't hear -- though one thought "it involved a roast" of top strategist Axelrod. Read full pool report here. Permalink

Obama's Aunt to Fight to Stay in U.S.

An immigration lawyer for Zeituni Onyango says she wants to fight a deportation order and stay in the United States. Obama's aunt is staying with relatives in Cleveland after fleeing her public housing apartment in Boston. She had been living there for five years. Permalink

Byrd to Voluntarily Give Up Senate Chairmanship

The West Virginia senator -- approaching 91 years of age -- says he will step down from chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee with the new Congress. “A new day has dawned in Washington, and that is a good thing. For my part, I believe that it is time for a new day at the top of the Senate Appropriations Committee.” Permalink

The Big Five: Friday Edition

HALPERIN'S TAKE: The five most important people in American politics right now -- who aren't Barack Obama. Permalink

McCain to Return to Senate Next Week

The Arizonan's chief of staff tells CNN McCain is "eager" to get back to work, he's looking to focus specifically on Iraq, Afghanistan and the struggling economy. Permalink

CNN: Lieberman Unhappy With Reid's Offer, Flirting With GOP

A Lieberman aide says the Senate majority leader wanted him to give up chair of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, instead run something more low profile. Adds Reid's offer was "not acceptable" to him, is "keeping all of his options open." Plus: Politico reports McConnell is trying to bring Lieberman Into GOP. Permalink

Biden Gets In a Workout, Gushes About Michelle Obama

USA Today runs into the vice president-elect in the fitness center at a Chicago hotel Friday, finds out he's trying to shed a few pounds gained during the campaign. Biden also raves about the future first lady, calling her "the most impressive person I've met in 35 years." Then says, "I like him. I LOVE her." Permalink